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When you first think of Canadian seasons, you may automatically think of colder climates and chilly temperatures. During the summer, though, Canada can be lovely and warm, and many people like to travel, whether on road trips or camping and having a great, high-quality cooler is a necessity for keeping food and beverages cold.

There are many different types of coolers on the market, whether you are seeking a large-capacity option for camping or a small cooler that is perfect for taking your lunch with you on a daily basis. Our researchers evaluated countless coolers, making sure we found the best ones to recommend. We examined and analyzed features like storage, weight, and materials until we compiled the very best coolers in Canada for 2024.

Best Coolers for Canadians: Recreation Options for 2024

  • Best Overall: Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze
  • Best Large Capacity: Coleman Chiller Portable Cooler
  • Best Soft Cooler: Yeti Hopper Flip 8 Portable Soft Cooler
  • Best Wheeled: Coleman 316 Cooler
  • Best for Working: Igloo Playmate Personal Cooler
  • Best for Travel: Yeti Roadie 24 Cooler

Why Did We Choose These Coolers in Canada?

Our list of the best coolers in Canada for 2024 is based on the features that Canadians value most. Each was evaluated for quality through extensive research and evaluation. Our team of experts looked at each cooler and found the options that most Canadians love. As a result, we are confident that you can find a cooler that you’ll love on our list.

The Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze made the top of our list as our favourite cooler in Canada due to its extensive list of features. This cooler also has unique storage options and a removable hardbody interior.

Those seeking an extra-large capacity cooler should consider the Coleman Chiller Portable Cooler. With the ability to hold up to 45 litres or 24 lbs of ice, this cooler is perfect for road trips, camping or large gatherings. 

The Yeti Hopper Flip 8 Portable Soft Cooler is our pick for the best soft cooler in Canada. With its lightweight portability and insulated fabric construction, this cooler packs down nicely when not in use and is great for travel.

If you need a cooler with wheels, we think The Coleman 316 cooler is the best choice. It’s large, sturdy, and convenient for Canadians looking to wheel their cold goods behind them.

If you’re a hard-working Canadian, the Igloo Playmate Personal Cooler is the best choice for toting your lunch to the job site, because of its heavy-duty construction, durability, and portability.

Canadians seeking a durable cooler that is perfect for travel will love the Yeti Roadie 24 Cooler. This cooler has a slim and tall profile that is perfect for loading into the car on road trips and doesn’t have unnecessary bulk.

Best Cooler in Canada: Quick Menu

Best Overall

Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze

Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze 16 Can Zipperless Hardbody Cooler, Moss

It's Great For:

If you love customizable options and extra features, you’ll enjoy the Arctic Zone Tidal Deep Freeze cooler. We think it’s the best cooler in Canada due to its extensive range of features. It’s the perfect size for slinging across your shoulder, making it easy to take it with you on all of your adventures. Though it’s compact and lightweight, it can fit up to 16 cans at a time.

The Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze is manufactured with high-performance insulation, a cold-block base, and a radiant heat barrier, making it capable of maintaining a cold temperature for up to two days.

The adjustable, anti-slip, Backsaver shoulder strap with a cushioned pad serves to center the weight of the load, making it easier and more comfortable to carry even across long distances. Use the handy flip-open, zipper-less lid for quick and easy access to your favourite food or drinks.

As for extra features, there are plenty to be found on this cooler. We will start with the extra pockets. This cooler has an insulated front pocket with an extra zipper compartment, and two mesh side pockets for extra storage capacity. Then we can mention the durable HardBody liner, which is fully removable if you choose to use the full soft-sided interior. Use it with the HardBody liner and you get access to the SmartShelf, which makes it easy to separate hard items from soft items (no more smushed sandwiches). You can also choose to remove the SmartShelf and just use the HardBody liner alone.

Key Features

  • Ample Storage Space. With the ability to hold up to 16 cans, this cooler has ample space for all of your food and drink needs.
  • Extra Pockets. The front of the cooler has an insulated zipper pocket, and the sides include two mesh pockets, all designed to maximize storage.
  • Removable Liner. The interior HardBody Liner of the cooler can be removed, leaving a soft, fully insulated liner in its place. You can use it like this if you prefer.
  • SmartShelf Feature. Those wanting to separate items within the cooler will appreciate the removable SmartShelf, which allows you to keep soft and hard objects from damaging one another.

Our Expert’s Take

“This cooler is great for those looking for wonderful all-around options with unique, customizable options and a good size capacity.”

Best for Large Capacity

Coleman Chiller Portable Cooler

Coleman Chiller 48-Quart Hard Cooler, 45.4-Litre Portable Beach and Ice Chest Camping Cooler

It's Great For:

For large-capacity storage or carry needs, the Coleman Chiller Portable Cooler is a great choice. This large and lightweight cooler can handle up to 45 litres, which is about 31 cans. At just 3.3 kg, this cooler is extremely easy to carry and has two two-way handles that can fold up or down and tuck away when not in use.

Those concerned about their food or drinks getting warm too fast will benefit from the TempLock insulation feature, which keeps the lid nicely sealed and cold air trapped inside. The simple design of this cooler makes it very user-friendly, and the open storage allows for the maximum fill without unnecessary bulk.

This high-capacity cooler is perfect for Canadians who plan on going camping or even hosting an outdoor party or gathering with a lot of people. You can count on your ice staying frozen and food and drinks chilled throughout the day. When you are done using the cooler, it is easy to drain without heavy lifting due to its leak-resistant drain located at the bottom.

Overall, this simple design and no-frills cooler is the best option for those looking for maximum storage. Its lightweight design helps with maneuverability when full, and its hard and durable shell won’t break down over the years due to cracking and breaking. Its plastic outer shell means you can take the cooler with you in any weather conditions or elements.

Key Features

  • Extra Large Capacity. With the ability to hold 45 litres or 31 cans, this cooler is perfect for big events or camping needs. 
  • Durable Construction. Made of solid and long-lasting plastic, this cooler will stand the test of time and won’t break down on you. 
  • Outdoor Friendly. The plastic outer shell is weather-friendly and can be set in the sun and rain. Your foods and beverages will be safe no matter what the weather is like.
  • Lightweight Design. Weighing just 3.3 kg, this lightweight cooler is great for portability and easy moving, even when full. 

Our Expert’s Take

“This lightweight cooler is perfect for anyone that needs extra large storage due to camping, picnics or outdoor parties.”

Best Soft Cooler

Yeti Hopper Flip 8 Portable Soft Cooler

YETI Hopper Flip 8 Portable Cooler, Navy

It's Great For:

The YETI Hopper Flip 8 Portable Cooler is our pick for the best soft cooler that you can buy in Canada. While small in capacity, this weatherproof cooler can be easily carried and is great for one-day outings. Its soft and flexible nature makes it easy to store when not in use, and it can be packed up inside a backpack when empty. 

This cooler has a capacity to hold up to 6 cans, plus ice. This is enough storage to pack a normal size lunch and drink for two people and it is excellent for hiking or day trips. For those on the go, this cooler is a good pick to take in the car, as it won’t take up that much room. 

While some coolers only have solid handles on the side, this soft-sided cooler comes with an adjustable and removable carry strap. The outer DryHide Shell is waterproof and resistant to cracks and rips, making it a great pick for those who like to take their coolers outdoors often. The zipper is leakproof, so even if ice starts to melt within, it won’t spread to the outside of the cooler.

Whether you’re spending the day at a picnic, hiking, or taking the cooler with you to a sports game, the YETI Hopper Flip 8 Portable Cooler will get the job done. It has great, solid construction from a brand you can trust, is ideal for outdoor use, and has a soft and packable design that makes it wonderful for travelling.

Key Features

  • Removable Strap. This YETI cooler has a convenient shoulder strap for easy-carry portability that is removable and adjustable.
  • 6-Can Capacity. With a capacity for six cans, plus ice, or 8 lbs of ice on its own, this cooler is ideal for those packing lunch or snacks for 1-2 people. 
  • DryHide Shell. Made from durable, waterproof material and puncture-resistant, you can take this soft-sided cooler in any weather. 
  • Leak Proof Zipper. With a unique leak proof zipper, you don’t have to worry about melting ice getting on any of your other belongings.

Our Expert’s Take

“Whether you are hiking or headed to a picnic, this small portable cooler is perfect for carrying only what you need while being durable and weather resistant.”

Best Wheeled

Coleman 316 Cooler

The Coleman 316 Cooler 62QT WHL 5859 RCK/W/RCK SIOC, Multi (3000006487)

It's Great For:

Coleman is a leading name in coolers and camping gear, and this cooler is a perfect example of why. The Coleman 316 cooler is large and in charge and features a durable tow handle, which makes it our favourite choice for the best-wheeled cooler for Canadians. Or use the swing-up handles for easy-carry capability. But that’s not all this cooler has to offer.

This cooler can store up to 101 cans or over 58 litres, meaning you can store all the cold drinks or food you need for your next outdoor adventure. It’s super-insulated and can keep contents cold for up to five days, so there’s no worry about the ice melting and your food spoiling, even on extremely hot days.

The Coleman 316 cooler is built to be durable and sturdy. It can even double as an extra seat, with construction able to hold up to 113 kilograms of weight without damage. We also love the stain-proof inner liner that keeps the cooler clean and sparkling. It features a no-tilt system for quick and easy draining. And it has four built-in cup holders that can fit up to 887-millilitre tumbler cups, so you have an extra-secure place to set your beverages without worrying about spills. And the cup holders are designed with moulded channels to help drain away excess liquid which might accumulate from condensation.

Key Features

  • Wheeled Design. Many Canadians like to fill their coolers to the max, which can be hard to carry. The Coleman 316 Cooler has wheels and two handles and can easily be maneuvered. 
  • Extra Large Capacity. With the ability to store 101 cans, this is the ideal option for longer outdoor trips. It’s also a great option for outdoor parties and tailgating. 
  • Superior Insulation. With Coleman’s unique insulation, food and drinks can stay cold for up to 5 days, perfect for road trips or camping.
  • Added Cup Holders. Enjoy built-in cup holders with this cooler, ideal for sports games or those using the cooler as a table while camping. 

Our Expert’s Take

“Many coolers can become extremely heavy when filled, but this option can be wheeled, making it great for those who worry about maneuvering their cooler around.”

Best for Working

Igloo Playmate Personal Cooler

Igloo 7363 11.75 x 8.25 x 13-Inch Playmate Pal Personal Sized Cooler, 7-Quart (Ocean Blue/White)

It's Great For:

When you’re facing a long, tiring workday, you will probably need a way to keep your lunch and drinks cold. This is especially true if you work outdoors, on the road, or at a worksite. The Igloo Playmate Personal Cooler was designed with Canadians like you in mind. This sturdy, durable cooler stands up to any kind of abuse and includes features designed to make lunch hour more enjoyable.

This cooler can easily hold up to 9 cans, or nearly 7 litres. Those packing an extra large lunch, plus snacks and a drink, will have plenty of room in this cooler. For day trips, there is the capacity for two average-size lunches within. 

For easy access, the lid can be opened with one hand using the top push button. Even if the ice inside starts to melt, the lid keeps leaks from spilling. You can easily open the lid no matter what side of the cooler you are on with its rotating lid, which tucks nicely to either side of the cooler when opened.

Made of durable polyurethane, this Igloo cooler is perfect for any Canadian who works outside in different elements. The material won’t break down over time or become damaged by the sun or rain. The cooler can be easily cleaned since there are no fabric elements. It is incredibly lightweight at just 1 kg, and the handle is easy to hold.

Key Features

  • Durable Material. Weather resistant and made for long-term use, the Igloo Playmate Personal Cooler’s polyurethane shell is easy to clean and durable.
  • Mid Size Capacity. With more space than an average personal cooler, it can hold nine cans or nearly 7 litres at once. It’s the ultimate tailgate companion with this level of capacity.
  • No Spill Lid. Never worry about leaks or spills. The lid is sealed and won’t leak even if you turn it over, or if it gets jostled during transit.
  • Easy Open Feature. With a simple push of a button within the handle, the cooler will open with one hand.

Our Expert’s Take

“Canadians who head to work every day and need to keep their lunch in a cooler, often in different outdoor elements, will love this durable and easy-to-clean cooler.”

Best for Travel

Yeti Roadie 24 Cooler

YETI Roadie 24 Cooler, Charcoal

It's Great For:

For Canadians who love to travel by car, whether for road trips or hiking, the YETI Roadie 24 Cooler is an excellent choice. This cooler, which is our favourite cooler for travel in Canada, has great capacity, is outdoor friendly and has a unique slim design that works great in cars. 

The YETI Roadie 24 Cooler is made from incredibly durable polyethylene material and is great for harsher elements. The hinge has an interlocking design, which prevents the breakage of the lid, and the Heftyhauler handle makes carrying the cooler a breeze. For a secure and tight seal, the lid has two quick latches, which keep food and beverages colder for longer. 

This cooler can hold up to 18 cans or 24 litres. It has a taller upright design that caters to wine bottle storage or 2-litre bottles without the need to have them lay flat. This slim design is ideal for cars, allowing for more packing space surrounding the cooler. This YETI cooler features Permafrost insulation, which keeps ice frozen for days. 

Canadians looking for a cooler that can easily be packed in their car without taking up valuable space will love this option. It has extra large capacity, easy-to-carry handles and can withstand outdoor elements, including rain and hot sun, without compromising food safety or quality.

Key Features

  • Slim Upright Design. This slim cooler is ideal for those packing their cars for road trips or camping. You can store wine bottles or two-litre bottles fully upright.
  • Large Capacity. With a 24-litre capacity, the YETI Roadie 24 Cooler can hold up to 18 cans. It’s great for parties or picnics with the whole family.
  • Heavyhauler Handle. Comfortable and non-slip, the handle of the cooler makes moving it from place to place easy.
  • Permafrost Insulation. With its locking lid and thick insulation, this unique feature helps keep ice frozen for days longer than other coolers on the Canadian market. 

Our Expert’s Take

“Canadians looking to pack their car up for road trips or camping will love this cooler, which holds a ton while keeping a slim, upright profile.”

Comparing the Best Coolers for Canadians

CategoryCoolerMaterialCapacityCan CapacityWeight
Best OverallArctic Zone Titan Deep FreezeTPE RipstopNot Specified16 Cans1.44 kg
Best for Large CapacityColeman Chiller Portable CoolerPlastic45 litres31 Cans3.3 kg
Best Soft CoolerYeti Hopper Flip 8 Portable Soft CoolerFabric, Foam4.54 kg6 Cans1.27 kg
Best WheeledColeman 316 CoolerBlend58.67 litres101 Cans6.67 kg
Best for WorkingIgloo Playmate Personal CoolerPolyurethane6.7 litres9 Cans1 kg
Best for TravelYeti Roadie 24 CoolerPolyethylene24 litres18 Cans5.8 kg

How We Selected These Coolers in Canada

We’ve followed the most popular household trends and lifestyle products in Canada for years. Our mission is to help Canadians find the very best that’s out there – for their lives, their homes, and their families. We want to help you make the best choices according to the features that Canadians care about most, so you can get the best value for your money.

Our experts evaluate each of the products on our lists. Each product is thoroughly analyzed and researched. Based on the results of our evaluations, we composed a list of the best of the best in each category. Our list of the best coolers in Canada considers the most desired features, including:

  • Size and Capacity. Every situation is different, and that’s why the size and capacity of each cooler are so important. Some Canadians might need a lightweight, super-portable cooler that can go with them anywhere. Others might be looking for an extra-large capacity cooler that they can take with them on extended trips. We considered the size and shape of each cooler on our list to accommodate each of these needs.
  • Portability. All of the coolers on our list are portable in some way. There are lightweight options that include shoulder straps for easy portability. There are large-capacity coolers that feature heavy-duty carry handles designed for strength and support. And then there’s the wheeled option that allows you to pull the cooler behind you, making even the heaviest loads easy to transport.
  • Cooling Ability. The whole point of a cooler is to keep things cold, right? So, we looked for coolers that were manufactured with the best processes and included design features that do exactly that. The coolers on our list are well-built and super-insulated so they can maintain cold temperatures inside for lengthy periods, some as long as 4-5 days.
  • Additional Features. What would any good purchase be without some special features? We looked for coolers that were designed with Canadians in mind and included features that we felt Canadians would appreciate. From a work cooler that doubles as a table, to no-tilt draining, and extra pockets galore, these coolers are brimming with special design features.
Why Use a Cooler in Canada

Why Use a Cooler in Canada?

Coolers are used to keep food and drink items cold without the use of refrigeration or electricity. Canadians have great use for coolers because of their great ability to provide easy cold storage. Coolers can serve many purposes, such as keeping lunches cold during daily outings of a long workday. They can travel with you to the beach, for a day at the lake, during a hike in the Canadian wilderness, or for a trip to the golf course. And of course, outdoorsmen always need a way to tote food and drink. Hunters and campers usually purchase coolers more than other consumers.

Even if you are just going to the park for a cookout, a cooler can help keep your drinks fresh and cold. They aren’t expensive, and they can improve your outdoor life in every way. 

How to Choose a Cooler for Canadians

How to Choose a Cooler for Canadians

Coolers are not one-size-fits-all. Each Canadian might need one for a different purpose. There are a host of different sizes and applications, so it’s easy to get overwhelmed. The coolers on our list are equipped with a variety of design features, shapes, and sizes. Keep the following features and factors in mind when choosing a cooler in Canada. 

Cooler Types and Materials

There are a few different types of coolers, which can come down to the materials used on the exterior of the cooler.

Hard coolers include some type of hard plastic on the outside. This is insulated with foam or other materials. A hard-sided cooler is better for resisting high temperatures and can keep your food or drinks cooler for longer periods. These coolers are more durable, but they are also heavier. You could take a hard-sided cooler with you to the campground or a tailgating party, but you shouldn’t take it on a long hike.

Soft-sided coolers, on the other hand, use softer materials for a lightweight experience. These coolers are more portable, but they usually have a lower capacity. While they also use plenty of insulation, they may be more susceptible to higher temperatures. Soft-sided coolers are great for day hikes, picnics, and lunches at your work site. However, they won’t keep your food or drink cold for days at a time.

You should choose the type of cooler that best fits your uses. If you are planning a multi-day trip, a hard-sideded cooler is the best option for you. If you want to keep food cool for a road trip, beach party, or picnic, a soft-sided cooler can be a great choice. 

Capacity and Dimensions

How much food or drinks do you need to keep cool? If you’re planning to carry a few beers to the golf course for eighteen holes, then you probably only need a small, portable cooler. However, if you’re stocking up for a neighbourhood block party or are planning an extended camping trip in the wilderness, then you’re going to need a much larger cooler with more storage capacity.

Sometimes, the listing for your cooler will tell you how many cans it can hold. While this information doesn’t help if you plan to use the cooler for other activities, it can give you an idea of how large the interior of the cooler really is.

Keep in mind that the exterior dimensions of the cooler aren’t a good measure of capacity. Coolers use layers of thick lining and insulation to keep your food and drink cold. The interior dimensions are a much better indicator of how much your cooler can handle.

Portability

How far will you need to carry the cooler? If you’re parking your vehicle three miles from your campsite and then hiking the rest of the way, then a heavy, bulky cooler probably isn’t the best choice. Instead, you can opt for a portable cooler with a shoulder strap that you can easily carry down the trail. You could even choose a wheeled cooler if you need more storage capacity but don’t want to lug the cooler around by hand. Just be aware of what type of terrain you plan to traverse along the way.

Consider how far you need to take the cooler once you arrive to your destination. Camping and hiking coolers should be smaller to accommodate a greater travel distance, while tailgating and other outdoor parties can make use of larger coolers.

Cooling Capacity

How long does the cooler need to stay cold? If you’re expecting to be far from civilization for a few days or longer, then you will need a cooler that is well-insulated and able to keep items cold for an extended period. However, if you are camping at a local campground with easy access to a general store and an ample supply of ice, then cooling ability might not be as important.

Still, you should consider your needs while you use the cooler. An option that warms up after a few hours is great for a tailgate party but won’t work when you need to keep food cool on a camping trip. Make sure to keep those options and the features you need for each situation in mind as you shop for a cooler.

Additional Features

What kind of features do you need? Are you looking for a cooler that can serve as a table or seat during your lunch break at work? Or maybe one that is bear-resistant so you’re not tempting the local wildlife with your trail snacks? Or perhaps you need a cooler that is customizable to fit your changing needs? Do you need it to have a locking lid? Are you planning on using the cooler to just keep your beverages cold? Or are you packing a picnic lunch as well, and maybe need a separate tray for hard and soft items? Consider how you will use the cooler and what features will help you get the most out of your purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main feature that allows coolers to keep things stored inside cold is the ability to prevent heat transfer. When hot things come in contact with colder things, some of the heat and cold are transferred over in both directions. This transfer will continue until both items reach a similar temperature. A cooler is insulated to keep the cold inside and keep the heat outside.

Many Canadians enjoy going camping, and it’s important to make sure you have a large enough cooler to pack food and drinks that will last multiple days. The Coleman Chiller Portable Cooler is a great pick for an extra large capacity cooler and can hold 45 litres. This large cooler is easy to maneuver and ultra-lightweight and has a slim design that is easy to fit in cars or RVs.

Many Canadians might think coolers are only beneficial for outdoor gatherings, camping, or road trips. Coolers can be especially beneficial for in-home gatherings, though, especially if your fridge space is limited. Coolers can be a great way to store all drinks for a party or even treats like popsicles and ice cream.

For some users, getting a cooler to take lunch and drinks to work may be beneficial and worth the money. Canadians who work in a location that doesn’t have a break room, like construction or landscaping, are best suited for taking a cooler to work. Many coolers are portable and the perfect size for lunch, snacks and drinks and can be easily stored in your car or worksite.

For small personal coolers that are often used to pack a lunch, it can be okay to use ice packs. They are less messy and will keep small-capacity coolers cold. For large-capacity coolers, using ice is best to keep things cold and temperatures food safe.

There are many tips for keeping your cooler cold for as long as possible. If you can, do not open the lid often. If travelling in Canada, try to replace the ice if you notice it starts to melt. Keep the cooler out of direct sunlight if possible, and fill the cooler initially with as many cold items as you can.

Caring for a cooler is extremely easy and won’t inconvenience users or require special cleaners or tools. For solid coolers, simply clean them with soapy water on a regular basis. Fabric coolers can be spot-cleaned outside and thoroughly washed inside. Regardless of the cooler type, always drain all ice and dry with a cloth before storing to prevent mould and mildew.